in certain terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in certain terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing specific language or terminology related to a subject or context. Example: "The agreement was outlined in certain terms that both parties had to adhere to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The two nations are close in certain terms of history, too.

The New York Times

"We certainly work with frameworks that guarantee a certain amount of failure, or failure in certain terms, but I think we're always trying to succeed.

The Guardian

"He did say in certain terms that 'I think the law should be changed,' " Eric Hegedus, vice president of the journalists association, recalled yesterday.

The New York Times

Contact between Greeks and Semites goes back to Minoan and Mycenaean times and is reflected in certain terms used by Homer and other early Greek authors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In order to conserve mass, a modification to the vorticity velocity formulation is proposed, involving the substitution of the kinematic definition of vorticity in certain terms of the fluid-dynamic equations.

Journal of Computational Physics

Our clients expect us to explain in certain terms how we are protecting their data.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In addition, certain terms in the Burnett equations allow unphysical effects in gas flow.

Journal of Computational Physics

Maggie confronts Carrie as soon as she walks in the door and in no certain terms, calls her out for being a bad mother.

Huffington Post

Still making sense of the undergraduate research fellowship I had then just received, the Wilson Fellowship, my early discussions with Dr. Barry were formative in casting my ambitions and ideas in more certain terms.

Johns Hopkins University

The owner of the company guaranteed us, in very certain terms, that his company would be in total compliance with the law going forward.

The New York Times

The Sisulu children and grandchildren were astounded and incensed by Mandela's suggestion and told Walter in no certain terms how they felt.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in certain terms", ensure that the specific terms are either explicitly stated or clearly implied within the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain terms" without providing adequate context or specifying what those terms are. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain terms" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the scope or condition under which something is valid. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting various contexts where this phrase can appropriately refine the meaning of a statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in certain terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, qualifying statements to indicate specific conditions or scope. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and highlights its use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for formal communication where precision is key. While versatile, ensure clear context to avoid vagueness. Remember, clarity and specificity are paramount when employing this phrase, and always consider more precise alternatives if possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in specific terms

Emphasizes the use of detailed and precise language.

in particular terms

Highlights a focus on distinctive or individual aspects.

in explicit terms

Highlights the open and clear manner of the expression.

in definite terms

Stresses clarity and lack of ambiguity.

in precise language

Focuses on the accurate and careful wording used.

under certain conditions

Shifts the focus to circumstances affecting the situation.

with certain stipulations

Emphasizes the presence of conditions that must be met.

on certain grounds

Indicates the reasons or basis for a particular action or statement.

subject to certain provisions

Highlights that something is dependent on particular requirements.

within certain parameters

Specifies the limits or boundaries within which something occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "in certain terms" in a sentence?

Use "in certain terms" to indicate that a statement or agreement is conditional or specific to particular aspects. For example, "The contract was approved "in certain terms", pending a review of the safety regulations".

What can I say instead of "in certain terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in specific terms", "under certain conditions", or "in explicit terms" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in certain terms" or "under certain terms"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""in certain terms"" refers more to the manner of expression, while "under certain terms" typically refers to the conditions or provisions of an agreement or situation. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "in certain terms" and "in clear terms"?

"In certain terms" suggests that the discussion is limited to specific aspects, whereas "in clear terms" implies that the message is easily understood and unambiguous. The phrases aren't interchangeable in every situation.